How to Check Your NSFAS Status for 2026

Once you submit your application for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), you must track its progress. Checking your NSFAS status is the only way to know if your funding is approved, pending, or has been rejected.

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Check Your Personalized Funding Options

Your status will not update right away. NSFAS must first perform several checks, including verifying your household income with SARS and your academic records.

This guide explains all the official ways to check your NSFAS application status for the 2026 funding cycle and what each status message means.

3 Ways to Check Your NSFAS Status

You can check your application progress using the online portal, WhatsApp, or a USSD code. The online portal is the most reliable method.

1. Check NSFAS Status on the myNSFAS Portal (Online)

This is the best and most detailed method to track your funding.

  1. Go to the official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
  2. Click on the “myNSFAS” button in the top corner.
  3. Enter your ID number and the password you created when you applied.
  4. Complete the CAPTCHA (“I’m not a robot”) and click “Sign In.”
  5. On your dashboard, click the “Track Application Progress” or “Application Status” tab.
  6. Your current application status will be displayed on the screen.

2. Check NSFAS Status Using WhatsApp

This method is fast, easy, and uses very little data.

  1. Save the official NSFAS WhatsApp number to your phone contacts: +27 78 519 8006
  2. Open WhatsApp and send a “Hi” to this number.
  3. An automated menu will reply. Follow the prompts by replying with the correct number (e.g., “Check Status”).
  4. You will be asked to provide your ID number to get your status.

3. Check NSFAS Status Using a USSD Code

This method works on any cellphone, even if you do not have a smartphone or internet access.

  1. On your phone, dial the USSD code: *120*67327#
  2. Press the call button.
  3. A menu will appear on your screen. Follow the prompts.
  4. You will need to enter your ID number to retrieve your status.

What Your NSFAS Application Status Means

When you check your status, you will see one of several messages. Here is what each one means.

  • Application Submitted: NSFAS has successfully received your application. No action is needed.
  • Verification: NSFAS is busy verifying your details. This means they are checking your ID with the Department of Home Affairs and your household income with SARS.
  • Awaiting Academic Results: NSFAS is waiting for your final Matric results or your year-end results from your university or college.
  • Assessing Financial Eligibility: Your academic results are in. NSFAS is now completing the final checks on your household income to see if it is R350,000 or less.
  • Provisionally Funded: This is good news. It means you meet all the requirements for funding. Your funding is now reserved, and it will be confirmed once your university or TVET college confirms your registration.
  • Registration Received: Your institution has successfully confirmed to NSFAS that you are a registered student for 2026.
  • Approved for Funding: This is the final step. Your registration is confirmed, and NSFAS will now begin to process your allowance payments.
  • Unsuccessful (Rejected): Your application was not approved. The portal will provide a reason for the rejection (e.g., “Income threshold exceeded”).

What to Do if Your Status is “Unsuccessful”

If your NSFAS status check shows “Unsuccessful,” it is not the end. You have the right to appeal the decision if you believe it was wrong or if your circumstances have changed.

You only have 30 days from the date of your rejection to submit an appeal.

How to Appeal an Unsuccessful NSFAS Application

  1. Log in to your myNSFAS portal.
  2. Go to the “Track Application Progress” tab.
  3. You will see a button to “Submit Appeal.”
  4. Select the reason for your appeal (e.g., “My household income has changed,” “NSFAS used incorrect data”).
  5. Write a short motivation for your appeal.
  6. Upload new, certified documents that support your appeal. For example, if your parent was retrenched, upload the retrenchment letter and a recent payslip.
  7. Click “Submit Appeal” and check your status regularly for the outcome.

Need to Create a myNSFAS Account?

You cannot check your status online or apply for funding without a myNSFAS account. If you applied at an NYDA center, you still need to create an account to track your status.

  1. Go to the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
  2. Click on the “myNSFAS” tab.
  3. Click the “Register” button.
  4. Follow the prompts to enter your ID number, full name, email, and cellphone number.
  5. Create a secure password.
  6. Verify your account using the OTP sent to your phone or email.

How to Reset Your myNSFAS Password

If you cannot log in to check your status because you forgot your password, you can reset it.

  1. On the myNSFAS login page, click the “Forgot Password” link.
  2. Enter your ID number and follow the on-screen prompts.
  3. NSFAS will send a password reset link or an OTP to your registered cellphone number or email address.
  4. Use this link to create a new, secure password.

NSFAS Contact Details for Status Queries

If you have problems with your status check or your appeal, you can contact NSFAS directly.

  • Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327
  • Email: info@nsfas.org.za
  • WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
  • Head Office Address: The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

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